Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog

I greatly enjoyed reading Argos. We can't change the original story, meaning The Odyssey literally meandered all over the place but that was the entertainment of the day. I had to put the book down often but that has nothing to do with the creativity of the author. It's just that the original tale itself was tedious and I always wanted it to get moving instead of stopping at every island that Fate blew the hero and his friends onto for 20 years. (Had I been Penelope, I would have found a way to poison all the suitors years before, custom notwithstanding.) The book is not for young readers unless they're advanced. I would estimate Junior High into Young Adult, simply because of the comprehension needed and the short attention span of the young. The communication patterns of the crow, raven, gulls, etc. was a bit irritating but easy enough to skip over. I really liked Argos, his interpretation of what was happening, and his emotional highs and lows. And please don't tell me that animals don't have feelings! Only the most unobservant think that way. An enjoyable read.

It was delivered early and exactly as described. The 12 y/o was excited to read it so if say it was a great purchase.

Here is a journey we all most likely feel we are currently on...it is one we all know, and yet a brilliant writer such as this author compels us to read it again. The true mark of a worthy author in my opinion is one that tells a human journey through the eyes and heart of an animal's perspective (as Richard Adams did in "Traveler") and we know how this story ends. It is Greek, and they are known for their poignant tragedy. On we go through it with this ancient once again though and happily! Why? because dogs always help us to understand our own lives. And maybe, just maybe the hope to understand theirs.A definite benefit to reading lists!

This is a very enjoyable way to get kids ( of any age) familiar with one of the greatest tales ever told. I hope it inspires young readers to learn more about Odysseus and the inspiration for many of today's stories.

Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told by his Dog is well written. Perfect for die-hard Percy Jackson fans. The originality and understanding of the bond between a caring master and his courageous dog is spectacular! " He took pieces of meat from the bone and offered them to me. Oh, to be fed by hand from one's master is a sweet thing."I am a grandmother who is very interested in what my grandchildren are reading. I am also a Rick Riordan fan. Now, I am a Ralph Hardy fan and that means I intend to read everything he publishes. Ralph Hardy delivers. I have read the other reviews and I agree with all who rate Argos 5 stars.Grace Johnstonage 74

For years I've been reading to my young children very accessible and age appropriate versions of Illiad & Odyssey. They already know the stories, as we had read them more than once. They also know about Argos from the original (you see him at the end of Odyssey at a very emotional moment).So we were really, really excited to read this version of the Odyssey from Argos' point of view. And, it was awesome. The story and tone feel very true to the original, and the added stories to make transition and narration smooth. Overall we absolutely loved it from start to finish. Because the narration is from the dog, the magical world of ancient greek myth comes alive in an accessible way to the kids. And, kids love animals... just, great.

This is one great book! - I'm just sorry it wasn't around when I read books to my kid; we'd have had one heck of a lot of fun with this one. It's such a unique way to get to know the classic story, and every bit as involving as the original. I particularly love how the author created such colorful and sympathetic characters out of different animals.An exciting, fun read from start to finish! I highly recommend this book to anyone with kids - or without.

I bought this book for myself and my 12-year old nephew. Neither of us could put it down after beginning to read it. Hardy takes an unpredictable approach to telling the Odysseus tale. The book is a novel and wonderful way to get to know the story of Odysseus, it also gives the reader a sense of the flora and fauna of Greece. I found it calmer and deeper than other recent YA fiction that draws from Greek myths (such as Rick Riordan). I highly recommend this book!

I'm loving this. Did buy it for my 9 year old daughter who is working on ancient Greek projects at school. She wanted the Adventures of Odysseus, so not into this version yet, but I'll convert her. It's really educating me without me having to read the entire original!